Types of Gynecologic Cancer

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Types of Gynecologic Cancer

Uterine cancerUterine cancer includes many
different types of tumors that arise
within the uterus. Endometrial cancer is
a type that occurs within the inner
lining of the uterus. It is diagnosed in
over 40,000 women in the United States
each year, making it the most common
cancer of the female reproductive
system. Although there is no screening
test for endometrial cancer, a common
symptom is vaginal bleeding which occurs
either in women who are postmenopausal
or irregularly in women still having
menstrual cycles. Biopsy of the lining
of the uterus is necessary and often
leads to diagnosis at an early stage.

“Cancer is a devastating disease
whether the prognosis is relatively
favorable or not. I try to bridge the
gap between giving patients accurate and
thoughtful information, but at the same
time remaining reasonably optimistic and
positive. I also try to stay with
patients throughout this journey and
always to be there for them.”

-Dr. David Hoogerland

Risk factors include obesity, increasing
age, hypertension, diabetes, estrogen or
tamoxifen use, and a family history of
endometrial or colon cancer.

Ovarian Cancer
Over 20,000 women are diagnosed with
ovarian cancer each year in the United
States. Ovarian cancer often goes
undetected, and there is no available
test for early detection. Symptoms
include bloating, pelvic or abdominal
pain, difficulty eating or feeling full
quickly, changes in bowel patterns or
digestive problems, and urinary
symptoms. Although these symptoms are
common from time to time in many women,
when persistent daily for many weeks,
they should prompt women to consult
their physician.

Risk factors include increasing age, a
family history of breast or ovarian
cancers, and a personal history of
breast cancer.

Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor
within the lowest portion of the uterus.
It is the second most common cancer
occurring in women worldwide. Cervical
cancer typically has no symptoms until
it reaches an advanced stage at which
time women may experience pelvic pain or
vaginal bleeding. Fortunately, the Pap
smear test is an effective screening
test for detection of cervical cancer
and even precancerous cells.

Cervical cancer is caused from the
sexually transmitted human papilloma
virus (HPV), accounting for
approximately 90 percent of all cervical
cancer cases. Most women's bodies are
able to fight HPV infection, but
sometimes the virus leads to cancer. A
new vaccine that prevents HPV from being
contracted is now available and
appropriate for many women.